US Tariff on UK Films

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am not sure where to start with that one, to be quite honest. I think we have heard all the way through the difficulties that the Brexit agreement has left our creative industries with. I cannot subscribe to the opinion that the noble Lord has put forward. These are indeed interesting times. When I woke up this morning and heard the news about an announcement later today—sometimes you feel like putting your head back under the duvet. But there you go. The noble Lord is entitled to his opinion, but it is not one that we share.

[Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (LD)]

My Lords, while the T-word across the pond is “tariffs”, here our film industry has been thriving thanks to tax credits. They have been a game-changer—the kind of investment that President Trump wants to repatriate. Whatever his plans—and I think the Minister mentioned this—should we not be looking to make our industry more resilient? Will the Government act to tackle the film skills issue with strategic thinking? If the answer is, “with the forthcoming creative industries industrial strategy”, when will we see the results? I hope that they will be of a cross-departmental nature.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Baroness touches on an issue very close to my heart. I find it absolutely fascinating that, as a high-profile industry, the film industry is not more attractive to young people coming through the system. There has to be much greater awareness of what is involved. We also want to make sure that careers in screen are accessible to everyone. Of course, we have the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority working with us, and our “make work pay” initiatives. There is much going into this, but I completely recognise the further work that needs to be done linking to curriculum changes, attracting young people in, but protecting those who are already in the industry.